Tallahassee's Student Housing Shortage

Posted: Fri 6:07 PM, Aug 22, 2003&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Fri 6:12 PM, Aug 22, 2003

Many students are currently staying in hotels but want something permanent before classes start on Monday. Some students say they're pretty upset about their current living arrangements, but are ok with staying in the hotels. Some parents, on the other hand, say finding their child a place to stay has been an inconvenience from the start.

Mr. and Mrs. Hosey brought their son Kevin to Boardwalk Apartments only to find out he can't move in now. The FSU junior says this is not what he needs, especially with classes starting on Monday.

"They've changed it from August 10th to the latter part of September. Probably, I guess to another hotel that I have to set up myself," Kevin says.

"It's been an inconvenience for us. I understand, this is probably not their fault, but I guess things happen," says Kevin’s mom, Vicky.

According to the builders of boardwalk apartments, unfavorable weather conditions are to blame for the delay.

"It rains every day and every time we try to get something done, the rain comes. You know it's just been a real battle here to get these people moved in, because of the rain," says Don Phillips.

And that's why many local hotels have become temporary student housing while parents and students weather the storm.

“It's kind of frustrating, it's not really like being in a dorm because you don't have your own space to have my own permanent living facility instead of living in a hotel, you just really don't have anything permanent,” says Elizabeth Broadway, a FAMU student.

One important note to add is that there are many other apartment complexes facing the same problem. Because they are in the final phase of construction and haven't received that certificate of occupancy, they can't move students in.

Local hotels are happy about the boom, but many students are afraid they may have to be out by September 4, due to the big FSU-FAMU home games. An official with the doubletree says they will work with students however they can.

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